March 18, 2020 Newsletter Update: Disaster Relief and Travel Advisories

To view this newsletter in your browser click here: ExampleEMarketingEmailWebpageLink

The Bilateral Chamber will continue to provide our members with relevant, timely information to help you navigate through these turbulent times. If you have any questions or would like to share helpful resources, please feel free to contact us at info@bilateralchamber.org.

SBA DISASTER RELIEF

		The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering a range of relief measures and programs designed to help alleviate economic injury to small business and private, non-profit organizations. SBA: Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
Join the SBA Webinar as it provides the latest information from SBA to help small businesses with their economic recovery from the effects of the Coronavirus.

Thursday, March 19 & Friday, March 20

9am Join Zoom Meeting https://score.zoom.us/j/401014156 Meeting ID: 401 014 156 Join mobile +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) Meeting ID: 401 014 156		11am Join Zoom Meeting https://score.zoom.us/j/953359546 Meeting ID: 953 359 546 Join mobile +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) Meeting ID: 953 359 546

1pm Join Zoom Meeting https://score.zoom.us/j/358760584 Meeting ID: 358 760 584 Join mobile +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) Meeting ID: 358 760 584		3pm Join Zoom Meeting https://score.zoom.us/j/293099534 Meeting ID: 293 099 534 Join mobile +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) Meeting ID: 293 099 534

TRAVEL ADVISORIES ACROSS THE GLOBE

As of March 18, 2020

The global impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus is unprecedented. Governments around the world have restricted travel internationally and domestically in a unified effort to flatten the curve of spreading the virus. Please review the information below on the extraordinary travel restrictions taken by the global community.

Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases by Johns Hopkins CSSE

March 18 Live COVID-19 Map - John Hopkins

Taken as of March 18th, 2020 @11:30 AM CST.

To view the live update of the COVID-19 Global Cases, Click here.

UNITED STATES

U.S. Advisories

CNN: These states have some of the most drastic restrictions to combat the spread of coronavirus
Governors and city leaders have begun implementing measures to encourage residents to stay home or skip nights out to try to curb the spread of the virus. That's on top of guidance the federal government released Monday urging Americans to avoid eating at restaurants or bars and attending events with more than 10 people for the next two weeks.

U.S. Department of State: Global Level 3 Health Advisory – Reconsider Travel
The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to reconsider travel abroad due to the global impact of COVID-19.

Department of Homeland Security Outlines New Process for Americans Returning from Certain European Countries, China, and Iran
In order to help prevent the spread of travel-related cases of coronavirus in the United States, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Acting Secretary Chad F. Wolf issued a Notice of Arrival Restrictions outlining the process for American citizens, legal permanent residents, and their immediate families who are returning home after recently visiting certain European countries, China, and Iran.

U.S. Air Travel Status

Reuters: United Airlines further cuts April domestic, international schedules
United Airlines on Tuesday announced a 60% schedule reduction in April, citing the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on travel demand. The airline said the reduction includes a 42% cut across the United States and Canada, and an 85% decrease in international flights.

CNBC: Delta to slash capacity by 70%
Delta Airlines is slashing capacity by 70% after bookings dry up, sending revenue down $2 billion. The airline will park half of its fleet.

CBS 11 DFW: American Airlines suspending 75% of long-haul international flights
Fort Worth-based American Airlines will suspend 75% of its long-haul international flights through at least May 6 — the changes will result in the airline parking nearly its entire widebody fleet.

MENA/EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN REGION

MENA/Eastern Mediterranean Region Advisories

Gulf News: Saudi Arabia restricts movement, other Gulf states limit entry as coronavirus spreads
Saudi Arabia closed public spaces on Sunday and announced a pause in most government operations. Qatar said it would ban non-Qatari passengers from entering the country for two weeks starting on Wednesday. Oman said that as of Tuesday it would allow in only GCC citizens, and ordered the suspension of Friday prayers, social events such as weddings and closure of public parks. Dubai joined the UAE capital Abu Dhabi in closing cinemas, arcades, spas, gyms and parks, prompting a rush on supermarkets where many shoppers wore masks and gloves, residents said.

Arab News: UAE stops issuing visas on arrival and bans citizens from traveling abroad over coronavirus
UAE suspended the issuance of new entry visas on March 17. The country also said that it had banned its citizens from traveling abroad until further notice over coronavirus fears.

Gulf News: Photos: Lebanon launches countrywide shutdown to combat coronavirus
Lebanon declared a medical state of emergency on Sunday, announcing a sweeping shutdown that included the closure of its airport and most public institutions and private companies as it looks to rein in coronavirus. Information Minister Manal Abdel Samad said Lebanon's borders, ports, and airport would shut from March 18-29 and Lebanese were obliged to remain at home except for matters of "extreme necessity".

U.S. Embassy: Algeria Advisory
Algerian schools are closed until April 5. Most sporting events, large gatherings and religious services have been suspended.

CNN: African countries shut doors against Europe, America to combat coronavirus
Egypt schools and universities have been closed in the country for at least two weeks, state media reported.

AA: Libyan Government Takes Measures Against COVID-19
Libya Premier Fayez al-Sarraj ordered the closure of border crossings. Last week, the North African state banned the entry of foreigners into the country.

MENA/Eastern Mediterranean Air Travel Status

Reuters: Egypt to halt flights from Thursday to stem spread of coronavirus
Egypt will halt all air traffic at its airports from Thursday until March 31 to prevent the spread of coronavirus, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said on Monday.

Arabian Business: Emirates suspends flights to five more destinations, taking total to 35
Emirates Airlines announced a total of 35 routes would be temporarily canceled from Tuesday as a result of the new coronavirus outbreak. This includes a range of destinations across Asia, the Middle East, Europe and America.

Gulf Air: Novel Coronavirus COVID-19 Updates
Gulf Air: New requirements for passengers landing into Bahrain International Airport.

U.S. Embassy: Jordan Travel Advisory
On March 17 the Jordan Minister of Health announced a broad range of travel restrictions which will begin on March 18 at 8am for a duration of two weeks.

U.S. Embassy: Lebanon Travel Advisory
The government of Lebanon announced travel restrictions on March 11, 2020.

U.S. Embassy: Algeria Travel Advisory
Algeria has suspended all air and sea travel to and from Europe from March 19, 2020.

Anadolu Agency: Libyan Government suspends flights in wake of COVID-19
Libya's UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) on Monday suspended all flights at the Misrata Airport as a preventive measure against the coronavirus outbreak. Flights have been suspended for three weeks.

UNITED KINGDOM/EUROPEAN UNION

UK/European Union Advisories

BBC: 'Life put on hold' as UK begins coronavirus 'lockdown'
The prime minister outlined updated government plans in battling the coronavirus.

The Guardian: EU brings in travel ban as France joins coronavirus lockdown
EU leaders on Tuesday suspended all travel into the passport-free Schengen zone by non-EU nationals for at least 30 days in an attempt to instill uniformity across the bloc.

UK/European Union Air Travel Status

United Kingdom: COVID-19 Exceptional Travel Advisory Notice
The FCO advises British nationals against all but essential international travel.

BBC: Coronavirus: More flights cancelled by Virgin, Ryanair and others
Virgin Atlantic will cut four-fifths of its flights. Ryanair and EasyJet are grounding most of their fleets, while British Airways owner IAG is to cut capacity by 75%. Norwegian Air has cancelled thousands of flights and will temporarily lay off more than 7,500 staff.

The Guardian: EU proposes suspension of non-essential travel
The EU is proposing that all non-essential travel should be suspended to the European Union for 30 days. This would affect travel from outside the EU, but the UK would be exempt.

AFRICA

Africa Advisories

Ghana Web: Government of Ghana announces travel advisory
The government of Ghana has announced a travel advisory which discourages all travels to the country until further notice.

U.S. Embassy: Mozambique
The government of Mozambique has temporarily suspended the issuance of visas to travelers from China but has allowed asymptomatic persons with valid visas traveling from countries affected by COVID-19 to enter the country.

AA: Ethiopia closes schools, bans public events
Ethiopia on Monday closed schools across the country and banned all public gatherings, including sports events, for 15 days.

CNN: Nigeria bans entry for travelers from 13 countries
Nigeria is restricting entry into the country for travelers from 13 countries including the US and UK.

African Air Travel Status

Ethiopian Airlines: Covid-19 Advisory and Cancellations
Ethiopian Airlines cut down its weekly flights from Addis to Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou and Shanghai by 33%.

INDIA/SOUTH ASIA REGION

India/South Asia Advisories

India Ministry of Health and Family Welfare: India suspends all tourist visas and e-visas for travelers
All existing India visas (except diplomatic, official, UN/International Organizations, employment, project visas) stand suspended till 15th April 2020.

The Express Tribune: Five airports closed for international flights
The Pakistan government on Friday closed schools and cinemas; sealing Iran and Afghan borders; limiting international flights; discouraging large gatherings and canceling the joint military parade on March 23.

India/South Asia Air Travel Status

Business Traveler: Coronavirus: Indian airlines cancel international routes
Indian airlines have announced the cancellation of several of their international flights.

U.S. Embassy: Pakistan
Pakistan closed its land border with Iran and delayed the planned spring opening of its snow-covered land border with China.

The Express Tribune: Five airports closed for international flights
The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Saturday closed five airports of the country for international flight.

APAC REGION

APAC Region Advisories

U.S. Embassy: China
Level 4: Do not travel to China due to the novel coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, China. On January 30, the World Health Organization (WHO) determined the rapidly spreading outbreak constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

CDC: Warning - Level 3, Avoid Nonessential Travel to South Korea - Widespread Ongoing Transmission
CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to South Korea.

CNN: Singapore to implement 14-day mandatory quarantine for all inbound travelers
The Singaporean government has announced that all travelers entering the country will have to undergo a mandatory 14-day home quarantine starting Saturday.

Reuters: Vietnam to quarantine visitors in coronavirus battle
Vietnam will stop issuing new visas for foreign visitors and will quarantine visitors from countries including the United States in the fight against the coronavirus, state media and the government said on Tuesday.

The Jakarta Post: Indonesia suspends visa-free policy, expands ban for people from worst-hit countries
Indonesia is set to suspend its visa exemption policy for all countries for one month.

The Bangkok Post: Thailand cancels visa on arrival for 18 countries, visa exemptions for 3
Thailand on Wednesday cancelled the grant of visa on arrival for 18 countries and visa exemption for three others.

Khmer Times: COVID-19 travel ban to take effect
The Cambodian government has decided to temporarily bar people from six countries from entering the Kingdom.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan: Strengthening border measures related to novel coronavirus (COVID-19): Visa restrictions
The government of Japan has designated COVID-19 as a “Designated Infectious Disease”” and placed entry restrictions on foreign visitors.

CNN: Coronavirus: Which countries have travel bans?
Philippines - Ban on entry to all UK travelers. Shutdown of all public transportation, limited flights from 20 March to 13 April.

Vietnam - Travelers who have been in the 26 European countries in the Schengen Area, plus the UK, within the past 14 days will not be permitted to enter or transit through Vietnam. Visas upon arrival will also no longer be issued for all foreign nationals, according to a government statement issued Saturday. The travel restrictions come into effect at midnight Sunday local time, and will last 30 days.

CNN: Malaysia and the Philippines enact sweeping measures, as coronavirus cases jump in Southeast Asia
Malaysians will be banned from traveling abroad, while foreign tourists and visitors will be restricted from entering the country, according to the state-run Bernama News Agency.

The Philippines' largest and most populous island, Luzon, that includes the capital Manila, has effectively been locked down. All mass public transportation has been suspended, and residents told they can only leave their homes for essential items.

APAC Region Airlines Status

Global Times: China's Airlines to Cut International Flights Due to Coronavirus
Chinese airlines including Air China, China Southern Airlines and China Eastern Airlines are planning to reduce international flights in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Korean Air: COVID-19 : Flight Suspension/Reduction Information
Korean Air provides a list of reduced or suspended flights and routes.

NST: Covid-19 Vietnam Airlines suspends flights to Malaysia, France
Vietnam Airlines will suspend its flights to France and Malaysia. The national carrier will halt services between Vietnam and France starting March 17 until further notice, it said in a statement. Flights between Vietnam and Malaysia will be suspended from March 18-31 because of the Malaysian government’s temporary border closure announcement.

Business Traveler: Vietnam Airlines reverses suspension on flights from Europe to Vietnam
Vietnam Airlines has begun carrying passengers meeting immigration and health requirements back to Vietnam on flights departing from London, Paris, and Frankfurt after initially announcing that it would suspend flights between Europe and Vietnam in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Reuters: Philippine Airlines to suspend flights as Covid-19 spreads
Philippine Airlines said it will halt its international flights starting March 20 as the country's main island is placed under enhanced quarantine measures. The flag carrier started canceling all domestic flights on Tuesday after the government imposed a month-long quarantine in the capital and nearby provinces. Philippine Airlines said flights will resume flights on April 13.

The Japan Times: ANA, JAL expand flight cuts as coronavirus hits travel demand
All Nippon Airways Co. and Japan Airlines Co. said Friday they will cancel more domestic flights. ANA will also cancel some international flights bound for Europe and North America from late March.

To make sure you receive future emails,
please add programs@bilateralchamber.org to your address book or safe list.

If you no longer want to receive emails from the Bilateral Chamber of Commerce,
please Opt-Out.